Kenya looks to India for tourism boost

32% growth in Indian tourists in 2010

In the figures released by the Kenyan government, India has become the primary source market for Kenya in the Asian region by clocking 35,137 Indian arrivals to Kenya for the period of January to September 2010. India ranks at number 6 amongst the largest tourism generating source market for destination Kenya and the main tourism inflow to Kenya are from the western Indian region including cities in Gujarat and from Mumbai followed by Delhi and rest of India.

With a twelve member delegation in place, the Kenya tourism industry kicked off a three-city tourism show that showcased the various tourist opportunities of the country. Kicking off the show in Ahmedabad on Monday, Jennifer Opondo, Director, marketing, Kenya tourist board (KTB) said, "Kenya has a great link to Gujarat and is looking at Gujarat as a potential market because there is a sizable Gujarati community based in Kenya and Gujaratis are among the first communities from India to migrate to Kenya in the last century. Also we are seeing a growing number of travellers from Gujarat and more specifically from Ahmedabad to Kenya and would love to take this partnership forward."

With 17 new hotels from global brands coming up, Kenya seems to be eyeing a 10 percent increase in international tourist footfall this year. The country is also looking at promoting the country as an upcoming destination for niche segments like adventure, golf tourism, luxury tourism, as a hub for wildlife conservation.

Kenya is also seeking to woo India's multicrore Bollywood industry to use the picturesque countryside for its film locations and has even started a Government body to regulate and expediate film shoots in Kenya.